A former Waterbury police officer was fired from his job following an investigation into a sex trafficking operation.

Waterbury police said they were notified in April of 2015 about an investigation being conducted by Watertown police.

The investigation began following a complaint from the state’s Department of Children and Families and led to the arrest of two people for various charges, including narcotics, illegal weapons possession, promoting prostitution, and trafficking persons.

Waterbury police said former officer Jermaine Dunbar is an 8 year veteran of the patrol division. Information from the investigation led Waterbury police to conduct an internal investigation of Dunbar’s off-duty conduct.

Dunbar was then placed on administrative leave.

"Members of the Waterbury Police Department are held to the highest standards and are expected to conduct themselves at all times, both on and off duty, in a manner that reflects most favorably on the police department," Waterbury police said in a press release.

Over the last 11 months, numerous interviews were conducted and evidence was reviewed that concluded Dunbar had violated several codes of conduct, including improper associations, truthfulness, conduct unbecoming an officer, neglect of duty, and insubordination.

As a result, he was fired.

"They should hold themselves to a higher standard than most people," said Patrick Gorman, of Waterbury.